Proponents of tamper-proof generics feared the FDA would permit unregulated versions to flood the market once OxyContin's initial patent expired earlier this week.

"The FDA made the right call," said Rep. Michael Grimm (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn). "Too many lives have been lost on Staten Island to this epidemic, which is why it is imperative to stop these generics from hitting the markets and flooding our communities. This ruling is an important step in combating this problem."

"We are in the midst of a prescription drug abuse epidemic, and by requiring anti-abuse mechanisms to be included in generic versions of OxyContin, the FDA has prevented the floodgates from being opened further," said U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (R-N.Y.). "Pills that are easily crushed or altered are far more valuable than versions that can't be tampered with, making pharmacies and people that carry them a target for violent thieves. This decision will ensure that these generic pills have equivalent protections as their branded counterparts."

Added District Attorney Daniel Donovan: "I support any measure that limits the ways prescription drugs can be abused. Tamper-resistant technology can only help to prevent these potent pills from being improperly used."

Tackling Youth Substance Abuse Initiative Director Adrienne Abbate said her group was pleased with the decision.

"Anything that prevents potential misuse of opioids in our community is a step in the right direction."

"The development of abuse-deterrent opioid analgesics is a public health priority for the FDA," said agency deputy director Dr. Douglas Throckmorton in a statement. "While both original and reformulated OxyContin are subject to abuse and misuse, the FDA has determined that reformulated OxyContin can be expected to make abuse by injection difficult and [be] expected to reduce abuse by snorting compared to original OxyContin."

As a result, the agency said it "will not accept or approve any abbreviated new drug applications [generics] that rely upon the approval of original OxyContin." ---Follow @siadvance on Twitter